Understand the Islamic Sciences

Faith Intensive Curriculum:

Participants will explore five disciplines. Each discipline will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of its respective field, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage critically and analytically with Islamic texts and teachings.

Ṭalab al-ʿIlm wa Adab al-Mutaʿallimīn - Etiquette and Methodology of Seeking Knowledge

• Understanding the qualities of a good student, including patience, humility, and perseverance.

• Exploring the concept of humility in seeking knowledge, recognizing that true understanding fosters humility rather than arrogance.

• Cultivating a mindset of growth and continuous improvement, viewing knowledge acquisition as a lifelong journey.

• Reflecting on the spiritual component of seeking knowledge.

Ulūm al-Qurʾān wa Uṣūl al-Tafsīr - The History and Study of the Sacred Text

• Studying the historical context of the revelation of the Qur’ān and its preservation from the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ until now.

• Understanding the principles of Tafsīr, interpretation and the methodologies used by scholars to extract meaning from the Qur’ānic text.

• Analyzing selected passages of the Qur’ān to deepen understanding of its themes, messages, and lessons for contemporary life.

• Examining the role of the Qur’ān as a source of guidance and inspiration for personal and communal development.

Al-Muṣṭalaḥ wa Uṣūl al-Ḥadīth - Preservation, Compilation, & Analysis of the Prophetic Tradition

• Understanding the historical development of Ḥadīth literature and its significance in Islamic scholarship.

• Understanding the methodology of Ḥadīth authentication (Isnad) and the criteria used to assess the reliability of Hadith reports.

• Exploring the compilation efforts of early Ḥadīth scholars and the various Ḥadīth collections.

• Understanding the critical terminology used to understand the science of Muṣṭalaḥ al-Ḥadīth. 

Uṣūl al-Fiqh - The Principles and Guidelines of Islamic Law

• Understanding the foundational principles (Uṣūl) of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and their sources.

• Exploring the hierarchy of legal sources in Islamic law, including the Qur’ān, Ḥadīth, consensus (Ijmaʿ ), and analogical reasoning (Qiyās).

• Studying the methodologies used by jurists to derive legal rulings and resolve complex legal issues.

• Understanding the historical compilation and codification of the Islamic rulings through the four schools of thought and four Imams. 

Al-ʿAqīdah wa Uṣūl al-Īmān - Theology, Faith, and Philosophy

• Exploring fundamental theological concepts in Islam, including the oneness of Allah, prophethood, and the afterlife.

• Reflecting on the relationship between faith and reason, exploring the role of intellect (Aql) in Islamic theology.

• Examining contemporary challenges to faith and developing critical thinking skills to address them.

• Engaging in philosophical discussions on topics such as free will, predestination, and the problem of evil in light of Islamic perspectives.

Instructors:

Logistics & Pricing: 

Please email academy@qalaminstitute.org with any questions.